Bass and Guitar - A Balance of Forces

Bassist Harvie S and guitarist Vic Juris team up for a master class on the guitar-and-bass duo, performing jazz standards together and breaking down what makes a duo truly interactive. Instead of the usual head–solo–solo–head routine, Harvie lays out concrete techniques for turning a duo gig into a real musical conversation.

What's covered

• Harmonizing the head between bass and guitar — in thirds, sixths, or unison lines
• Building intensity with a two-feel before moving into a walking bass line
• Accompaniment options behind a bass solo, from sparse playing to rhythmic patterns to Freddie Green-style comping
• The call-and-response dynamic that creates a balanced musical partnership
• How the bass can both support and lead in a duo setting
• What makes duo playing different from other ensemble settings

Performances include "Blue Monk," "Scrapple from the Apple," and "You're Gonna Hear From Me," each used to illustrate the concepts in action. Valuable for guitarists and bassists alike — the ideas here will enhance any duo performance.